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First thing first, I have wayyy too many unpublished draft on a lot of stuff. My phone (cum camera) decided to play tricks on me so I dump his ass, and I just got swamped with my real main job. But, I got a new phone now, and my schedule is clearing up, and I have sooo many ideas and improvement that I'd like to do on this blog.

That aside, last Saturday (9th September 2017) I was so lucky that NYX Cosmetics Malaysia invited us butterflies from The Butterfly Project to attend their launch of their new palettes, (yes, more than 1!) The launch was held in front of their official flagship store in IOI Mall Putrajaya and everything was loud, edgy and everything that you can expect from a Nyx event.

Beautiful event setup for launching. Notice the round stage with each elements pattern

Posh Nail Spa booth was full with people!

I got a Nyx lipstick temporary tattoo at one of the booth too!

Attendees were invited to peel off stickers that exposed the Nyx in Your Element poster. Each square has their own number that correspond to a lucky draw.

Let's get straight to the star of the launch, the palettes itself. The "In Your Element" series consisted of 6 different palette with 6 themes, Metal, Water, Air, Wind, Earth and Fire. Each palette has 12 eyeshadows shades, and is inspired by the elements that they represented.

Air: Soft, "airy", sweet pastel shades

Nyx In Your Element Palette: Air

Nyx In Your Element Palette: Air

Metal: Fully metallic/shimmer shades

Nyx In Your Element Palette: Metal

Nyx In Your Element Palette: Metal

Wind: Deep, bright blue to stormy gray

Nyx In Your Element Palette: Wind

Nyx In Your Element Palette: Wind

Nyx In Your Element Palette: Wind

Water: Soft sea foam shade to bright blue

Nyx In Your Element Palette: Water

Nyx In Your Element Palette: Water

Earth: Rich earthy/natural tone

Nyx In Your Element Palette: Earth

Nyx In Your Element Palette: Earth

Fire: Warm, bold and bright tones

Nyx In Your Element Palette: Fire

Nyx In Your Element Palette: Fire

Looking at the palettes is a rollercoaster. I have to be honest here, I wasn't feeling the palettes and felt disappointed at first. How the hell am I going to use pastel shades? Why are Water and Wind palettes look identical? Is this even worth it?

...until the guest of honor of tonight, Roshar (@rosharofficial on IG) showcased the looks on all the models. Holy hell the pigmentation looks amazing! At first I felt that there are some shades that doesn't belong in some of the palettes, but I realized that the the possibilities are endless and you can easily transition from day to night look using only a palette. He explained that some of the palettes (like the Earth palette) are great for day to day look, but other palette (specifically the Air palette) is for creative/bold/fun look, which makes sense because Nyx has started with makeup artists and encourage creativity so it will only do them justice to come up with fun shades to mix things up. I especially love the Fire look, which Roshar explained that he wanted to make the model look like a painting, so he skipped falsies, and god damn it was so beautiful and effortless.

Roshar and the Nyx In Your Element palettes' models

Unfortunately there were no testers for us to swatch and see how pigmented/chalky it is, so although they were offering a pre-booking sign ups, I passed since I'd like to test it myself first (return policy is not so great in my country)

The palette will be available at Nyx official flagship store in IOI Mall Putrajaya (and possibly in all Sephora Malaysia) around the 3rd week of October. It will retail at RM148 ($30, so that's a little mark up there) which is quite steep for an affordable brand like Nyx. I imagine the pigmentation will justify the price but I'm still a bit skeptical. However, if price is not your problem and Nyx is one of your favorite brands, I'd say go for it, they are definitely gorgeous and hold so much potential. I'll update this post once I can get my hands on their testers!

The Waso line is just introduced to Malaysia, and I'm just drawn to whole chic and minimal packaging! The Waso line is designed for millenials, with good wholesome key ingredients and on the go packaging/function. It utilizes the concept of Washoku, which is a Japanese cuisine philosophy of preparing an ingredient to maximize the flavor and benefit of the ingredient.

@shiseidomalaysiaWaso line is having a roadshow at MidValley Megamall so I asked my bf to get me the roadshow exclusive set called Free to be Me. In the kit there's a full size and trial size of the Quick Gentle Cleanser, a full size of the Fresh Jelly Lotion, a trial size of Soft + Cushy Polisher and a trial size of Clear Mega Hydrating Cream. I also got a sample of the Color Smart Day Moisturizer that is not pictured here.Apart from what I've tried here, there are other products in the line that I might try in the future. Those products are the Smart Color Day Moisturizer Oil Free (ordered and waiting for it to come!) and the Quick Matte Moisturizer Oil Free. I will review/ make a post of first impression of them if I got my hands on them. First impression:🍯Quick Gentle Cleanser: a non-foaming really gentle cleanser with honey and royal jelly. pH is 4-5, and doesn't feel stripping at all. It smells like hotel shower gel but really pleasant lolol. Great cleanser with not so great price point 😭; definitely dupable.

Usage: Use a dime size dollop after cleanser 1-2 times per week. Massage in circular motion on dampened skin and rinse thoroughly with cold/lukewarm water

Update: Contains Alcohol Denat which might be a little drying for some folks.

🍮Fresh Jelly Lotion:a gel type lotion that transform into lotion for an ultimate shot of hydration. The key ingredient is white jelly mushroom. The gel is really soothing and your skin just drinks up the hydration. It absorbs fast and there is none of those icky sticky feeling. Wonderful lotion, though I have a feeling it's dupable. Not sure if it's similar to Son & Park Beauty Gel. Smells fresh and really pleasant without being overwhelming.

Usage: Use after cleanser/scrub as a toning/essence step. Squeeze a dime sized amount on cotton pad or palm and smooth over face.

Update: This one is alcohol-free!

Quick Gentle Cleanser, Clear Mega Hydrating Cream, Fresh Jelly Lotion

🐰Clear Mega Hydrating Cream: This gel cream is formulated with whole carrot, and omg I'm so in love with this firm gel that I'm gonna get a full size when I ran out of this. It's pretty hydrating and just plumps up my face, but it's so lightweight and it doesn't even feel like I'm wearing any cream except that my skin is hydrated! I was looking for a silicone-y moisturizer and this is the ONE for me. Caveat: contains alcohol and silicone, which I'm fine with.

Usage: Use as the last step of day/evening routine. Take two pearl sized drops and smooth over skin, can be used on top of makeup.

🍐Color Smart Day Moisturizer: This color changing moisturizer has spf30 and is great for quick errand/indoor use. It looks like my skin but better, acne scarred and all but fresh :) I like the concept of it that I ordered the oil free version!

I've been focusing on mainstream, imported skincare and beauty products that it made me wonder if our local artisans and company has more under their sleeve but just went unnoticed by me. I'm hoping I can review at least one local (MALAYSIA woot!) beauty product each month, and see how they performed.

This month, I got in touch with Tinkerberry Spa to buy a customized box full of their artisanal goodies. I found them after a friend of mine, Amy of Malaysian Beauty Haul reviewed their chocolat scrub in her cubecrate subscription box. Their niche market? Small batches handcrafted desert inspired bath and body treats. Delicious.

They use no preservatives, sls, alcohol, paraben and synthetic ingredients, and claimed that they use non-chemical ingredients (psst: everything that made up the world is chemical) which I guess as homemade and natural as it could be. I'm a little bit worried about the no preservative part actually, as it can grow mold and contaminated in the blink of an eye. To counterpart this issue, Tinkerberry recommended to;

Store products in a cool, dry place

​To prolong shelf life, keep refrigerated

Always use a clean, dry spoon to scoop contents of jar

Keep products away from water

which is understandable, but that means you really need to use them as fast as possible. Not an easy feat for a hoarder like me. On the bright side, you can be ensure that their products are freshly made and you're getting the best for your skin.

Back to my haul, I was so interested with the Chocolat Masque that they showed in their Instagram. They look like pure Nutella! For my customized box, I got the Chocolat Masque in full size, and trial size of the Chocolat Masque to gift to my friends, a trial size of Spiced Apple Scalp Detox and a trial size of the Chocolat Scrub.

My customized box is nicely tied with organza ribbon and includes a customized greeting note

For this post, I will just be reviewing the Chocolat Masque as I got that in full size, and in the future I will be posting on my first impression on the other samples I got.

When I read the ingredients, the cocoa butter jump out to me first, because Cocoa butter is as comedegenic as coconut oil. On the scale of 1-5 (from non-comedogenic to highly comedogenic) Cocoa Butter and Coconut Oil is rated at 4, which means most people will have a chance to break out from using the ingredient, depending on their skin type and how good their skin tolerate the ingredient.

I use a wooden spoon to apply the mask. 2 full spoon (about the size of teaspoon) can cover my entire face

My skin does not like Coconut Oil, therefore I made sure that I patch test this mask first at the my clogged-prone area; my butterfly area (hint; your nose is in between the area)

Lucky me, this mask did not clog me at all! So it might won't clog you up too! Just make sure to patch test!

Scent:

This mask smell faintly like chocolate. There's also a hint of rose from the Damask Rose Oil in it. It wasn't as rich as I imagined it would be, more like a toned down chocolate chip cookie scent. Nonetheless it still smell delicious.

Texture and Application:

I was expecting the mask to be creamy and thick, but actually this mask is quite drippy. It's quite hard to get an even application with a spatula, so I really recommend using a good mask brush to evenly apply this mask. I applied a thin layer of the mask all over my face.

Quite runny

Experience and Result

This mask is a self-heating mask, which means after you apply the mask, you will feel a warm sensation on your skin for about 20 seconds. I have tried a self-heating mask before, it does feel calming especially after a hectic day, although I still favor regular wash off than this type of mask.

Thin application on my face

After washing the mask off, there was no greasy feeling whatsoever. My skin felt a lot softer than before, which I really appreciate. Seems like all the cocoa and shea butter moisturized my skin without breaking me out, so I will call this a success!

Refreshed, clean, softer skin

Verdict

This mask is a surprise for me because it does work well with my skin, there were no breakouts whatsoever, plus my skin was definitely softer afterwards. I do even notice a slight glow to my skin as well. If you're looking for a self-heating mask or a mask in general that's organic, fresh and want to support small local company, I would recommend you to give this mask a try*. Just remember to PATCH TEST!

* I would not recommend those with acne-prone skin or easily clogged skin to try this unless you already know you are okay with Cocoa Butter.

If you saw my instagram post a couple of weeks ago, I was given a chance by Althea to haul for my Eid Celebration (THANK YOU ALTHEA!) One of the items that I got was the Torriden Cellmazing Centellareal Serum.

After more than a year that I'm getting serious with skincare, I realized that ingredients of the products are much more important than what it claims it can do and its reputation. Sure, I'm still attracted to the sleek and shiny packaging and the sleek aesthetic of some brands, and sooo enabled when my friends gushed about a product that works for them, but I feel that it is the time for me to "listen" to my skin and keep track on what I put on it.

That's why when I saw the Torriden Cellmazing Line on Althea, I was so impressed by these underrated products. There are currently soap, serum, lotion, pore pack and mask pack on Althea and a cream that unfortunately not listed there. All of the products boasted the same claim and almost similar ingredients; I am truly impressed that I need to list down why I think they are "cell'-mazing ;

1) The ingredients:

All of them contains Centella Asiatica Extract (Asiatic Pennywort/ Pegaga), Physalis Alkekengi (Chinese lantern/ Winter cherry) and Calendula Officinalis Extract ( English Marigold). I've been on a Centella kick lately because it helps my blemishes to shrink and heal, much faster than Tea Tree and still gentler than Benzoyl Peroxide (BP). The serum that I bought contained 43% Centella Asiatica extract, 24% Physalis Alkekengi Extract and 9% Calendula Officinalis Extract. All of them constitutes for more than 70% of the ingredients which are amazing! There is no silicone or alcohol, which is really great for sensitive skin. The triglycerides in the serum is a potential pore clogger, but my clog-prone skin survives it so that's a big relief. Nonetheless, give this a patch test first especially if your skin is oily.

I ran the ingredients on skincarisma in case you would like to see the full ingredient list and their function and rating.

Sorry for the blurry pic. Hope you can still read them!

2) The price:

And all of these came with a really affordable price tag of RM43 (PHP 520 / USD 10). The serum is 30 mL and comes in a Tiffany Blue tube, so it's actually quite convenient and hygienic. In total, it comes to about RM1.44 per mL of the serum, which is not bad at all. In fact this might be one of the cheapest serums that I had ever purchased for myself. I got mine using credit courtesy from Althea Korea as a part of my Raya Haul, and I will definitely repurchase this in the future. Dare I say that it's my HG? It's a little bit too early to say so, but there is a huge potential that it will be a staple in my skincare routine!

3) The details and how I use the serum:

The serum has a lotion/light cream consistency and is really easy to spread. Although that it looks like it's thicker than other serum formulas (which is usually liquidy), it is not heavy at all and sinks in quite fast. I found that apart from the brightening effect, it really does give me some light hydration layer so I can just skip essence or cream before sleeping. Keep in mind that I have oily skin so I will usually hydrate without using too much emollient/ rich cream - they can easily clog my skin and breaks me out. It has no strong scent to it and is really soothing when applied.

I use the serum in both my AM and PM routine when I was treating my pimples, but I have since cut it down to only PM routine as I'm testing out a sunscreen that doesn't seem compatible with the serum. I'm planning to incorporate the serum in my future routine twice everyday when I have any blemishes and once in the evening when my skin is clear.

No Ingredients list in english but they included warning and their claim on the side of the box. I like how it comes with customer centre number and all.

After toning, I use the serum all over my face (not just on the pimples) and just tap them into my skin using my palms. It will usually sinks in really quickly with minimal stickiness (like you had some moisturizer on). Then I will proceed with sheet masking and/or light cream or sleeping mask.

4) Effectiveness

And it all comes to one thing, does it really work?

And holy schmoley does it do it job and more! I've included some pictures below to show how it works in healing my pimples that I even picked and popped with very (very very very) minimal scars. I didn't even use any pimple patches!

Just as a record, my skin is really prone to Post Inflammation Hyperpigmentation (PIH) or the layman term; acne scar. It took me more than 6 months to lighten up my scars to what it is now with hydration, Melano CC, regular sunscreen, and tons of patience. Even so, I will still get occasional one or two pimples that will leave me a dark acne scar and I'm forced to start all over again. So getting really light scarring after a cluster of pimples decided to screw me after a day of Eid is really such an impressive feat for me.

Day 1: Notice the pimple right beside my nose. There's actually another two smaller ones but were concealed by my foundation

Day 3 of using the Torriden Serum. No foundation or concealer on! The pimples had noticeably shrunk a LOT

Showing you where's the pimples

Day 7 of using the Serum! At this lighting you can't even see there is anything there!

Close up: There is only really minimal scarring left.

This lighting shows my PIH better, but the new scars didn't even show up that well. So impressed! The scars on my cheek took 6 months to lighten to where they are now. The arrows show my recent scarring before I'm using the Cellmazing serum just as a reference on how bad my PIH/acne scar usually shows up.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Am I the only one who think the serum is so incredible? I am truly impressed with the performance, and with the price tag, I can see myself repurchasing this serum in the long run. However, I would like to give this serum a longer trial, and will update this post in the future in case I changed my mind (which I did with few of the products that I used).

The Torriden Cellmazing Centellareal Serum can be purchased from Althea for RM43/PHP520/10USD

Update: I had another 2 pimples that heals completely with minimal traces after the post was published. :)))

I used my Althea credit courtesy of Althea to get this product, but all opinions formed are honest and of my own.

If you’re planning a perfect getaway for
the self-professed beauty aficionado (or yourself), a spa experience away from
the bustling of the city will be a wonderful retreat for both mind and the
body.

But where to go to you may ask. My choice
of state? Malacca. This quaint sized state is perfect for a short weekend trip;
it’s only 2 hours from Kuala Lumpur, and you’ll get to savor all the adventure from
delicious local treats to shopping and sightseeing in the historical city.

The Settlement is located nearby the
Portuguese settlement and is 5 minutes’ drive from all the major landmarks such
as the Stadhuys, River Cruise, Jonker Street and Mahkota Parade mall. The
interiors captured the essence of traditional luxury fused with modern twist;
giving you an experience that brings you back in time.

The Settlement's gorgeous Luxury Villa

The Settlement’s Traditional Spa Village is
in one of the Malay-style villas; offering massages, body wraps and scrubs,
facial therapies, nail care services and other signature treatments. The spa is
conveniently located right next to their gorgeous swimming pool if you fancy a
quick dip.

Spa and Dip Pool at The Settlement

Spa price: Not stated

Location: ✨✨✨✨

The Majestic Malacca

The Majestic Malacca

The Majestic Malacca does earn its name – it’s
a restored mansion from 1929 with all its glory still intact, reserved in time
by the YTL Hotels. If you would like to experience the Kristang (creole ethnic
group of European and Malaccan descent) and Peranakan culture, the Majestic
Malacca would be a great choice to stay at. You’d be able to sample the cuisine
from these two cultures here at their restaurants (Melba and The Lounge) while
basking in the luxurious but colonial interiors.

One of the premium Majestic Malacca's suite

The Spa Village at the Majestic Malacca
based it therapies and treatments from the Baba and Nyonya healing philosophy,
which is heavily influenced by the traditional Chinese Medicine. The rich
heritage of Malacca is not only reflected on the spa treatments but also the
ambiance and the gorgeous architecture, a one of a kind beauty experience.

The Spa Village lounging area

Spa price: $$$ (starts at RM175)

Location:

✨✨✨✨

Philea Resort and Spa

Philea Resort & Spa, Ayer Keroh

If you’re craving for a resort-styled
hotel instead, look no further than the Philea Resort and Spa. Tucked away in
shades of lush greens with abundant flow of waterfalls, Philea promised you a
serene and relaxing stay.

One of Philea's room

The Tanjung Wellness Spa at Philea is a
true urban spa that offers extensive menu of body treatments and massages,
facials and water treatment. You can even opt for an ala carte treatment or
relax with your partner with the couple spa treatment. After that, you can even enjoy the serene view by the gorgeous pool.

Pool at Philea Resort

Spa price: $$ (starts at RM60)

Location:

✨✨✨

Casa Del Rio

Casa Del Rio

Casa Del Rio is a 5-star hotel that is
built on the bank of Melaka River with a gorgeous Piazza view and rooftop
infinity pool. The hotel overlook the panoramic Melaka River lined with
historic and beautiful buildings. It is also located near Jonker Walk, Stadhuys
and Mahkota Parade mall, with only 2 minutes’ walk to Jonker Walk.

Deluxe Room

Casa Del Rio’s in-house spa, the Satkara
Spa based their treatments, massages and ritual on aromatherapy and fusion of
local traditions with popular treatments such as the Deep Tissue Massage. You
can choose from their signature aroma oil blends for your own personalized
massage.

Piazza at Casa Del Rio

Spa price: $$$ (starts at RM170)

Location:

✨✨✨✨

Hatten Hotel

Hatten Hotel

Modern and luxurious, Hatten Hotel is a
business hotel that is located conveniently to the UNESCO sites and historical
landmark, perfect if you’re planning to sight-seeing right after. All Hatten
Suites are spacious and designed for comfort.

Junior Suite

Hatten does not only have a spa but also
housed a salon as well. H Spa offers elaborate treatments, massages, facials
and baths from a wide range of techniques and origins with pricing that’s kind
to the wallet. Waxing and threading service is also available at the H Spa.

H spa at Hatten Hotel

Spa price: $ (starts from RM45)

Location: ✨✨✨✨✨

There is it, Top 5 hotels with spa
experience curated by me. Which one is your favorite? I personally like the
aesthetic of The Majestic Malacca, and might consider visiting them for special
occasion.

For best prices on these hotels listed and
other hotels in Malacca, go and visit Traveloka now 😊

This is a sponsored article by Traveloka, but all words and opinions formed are of my own.

About me

I write about skincare and makeup and focuses on the ingredients, the price, and the effectiveness. Follow my blog! I always follow back and will read your latest blog articles! ;)
If you need to contact me please send an email to fateen.business@gmail.com